Oklahoma Joe’s now officially Joe’s Kansas City

A new midtown resale store could be the start of a chain for the metro and beyond.

The store, Kulture on 39th a Thrift Boutique, opened earlier this month at 1301 W. 39th St.

It came about when Red Racks Thrift Store asked area fashion blogger and wardrobe stylist Lindsey Kupper to devise a resale “boutique.”

“I wanted to give West 39th Street a local community-feel store, focusing on apparel and accessories from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,” said Kupper, manager of Kulture. “All of the items are handpicked. If you are looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind garment, that’s what we are going to have — for people who like to create their own style.”

Red Racks Thrift Store is owned by the Disabled American Veterans of Kansas City. It has about a dozen stores in Missouri. At first it just wanted to open a donation drop-off center in the 39th Street area, but because of city codes it needed a retail component.

“That area is very eclectic, so it was very conducive to retro and vintage. So we thought it was a good fit,” said Doug DePew, manager of retail operations for Red Racks Thrift Store.

Kulture offers merchandise for men and women but not any children’s clothing. Styles range from classic to hipster — cardigans, sequined frocks and beaded tops, plaid shirts, Kiss T-shirts. There are $13.99 combat boots and $29.99 Manolo Blahnik suede slingback pumps, vintage troll earrings, gold chain necklaces, and a wide variety of handbags.

Kupper said many customers were coming in for complete outfits, and stylists are on hand to help with selections. New items are arriving nearly daily.

The shop also will offer classes, including how to “hipsterize” holiday stockings in December.

Kupper’s fashion blog is at Jujoustyle.com.

It’s official: Oklahoma Joe’s now Joe’s Kansas City

The founders of Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que’s have operated separate restaurant operations in Kansas and Oklahoma.

But recently they confirmed they are cutting the remaining ties as they grow their businesses.

Jeff and Joy Stehney, owners of the area locations in Kansas City, Kan., Leawood and Olathe, have been shifting to a new name name — Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

Some products like sauces and T-shirts already have the new logo. On Monday, the company started changing the outdoor signs at the three locations and hopes to complete the task today.

Facebook followers rang in with such comments as, “This is going to take a while to get used to,” and, “Who cares what name it says on the building.... As long as the food stays the same as in amazing BBQ.”

The other co-founder, Joe Davidson, also plans to expand with more Oklahoma Joe’s restaurants in Oklahoma and elsewhere.

But it is the Kansas Oklahoma Joe’s that has made several best-of lists in recent years. It also has had its share of celebrity diners recently. During President Barack Obama’s July visit to Kansas City, a takeout order for about $1,400 worth of ribs, pork, sausage and side dishes was packed up and shipped out on Air Force One. In August, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback left Oklahoma Joe’s with a lunch order.

This story was originally published November 17, 2014 at 10:38 PM with the headline "Oklahoma Joe’s now officially Joe’s Kansas City."